Wrong Number, Right Guy (The Bourbon Street Boys, #1)

by Elle Casey

As far as I’m concerned, it’s better to have not loved at all than to have loved and been lied to.

He hesitates at the bottom of the stairs, turning to look at me. “You’ve met Ozzie already, right?” “If you mean the giant beast with the beard, then yes.” Dev’s eyes open wide. “Oh boy.” I’m worried now. “Oh boy? What’s that mean?” He laughs, his smile back in place. “Nothing. Nothing at all. Come on.

“Are you calling me plain?” I ask, pretty sure I should be offended. I know I’m no supermodel, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself ugly either. “She’s anything but plain—look at her!” Ozzie’s pointing at me, making a spectacle of us both. “She might as well be wearing neon lights spelling out ‘Look At Me’ right now.” All the heads around the table swivel in my direction. Then they look at each other, obviously confused.

What kind of welcoming committee is this, anyway? I was kind of expecting coffee and donuts, not whacks with a stick.

My inner poet takes over: Muscles, muscles, hard butts and pecs, Why must I keep my libido in check?

“Yes. Wrong number, right guy.” I grin. “You’re a good boss.”

I love the strength of him I can feel, not just through his muscles, but in the way his mind works and his heart is.

“You want to meet me here at two-thirty?” Dev asks me. “Sure. As long as you don’t have a weapon on you that you plan to use against me.” He smiles. “No promises.” I shrug. “Fine. Same goes for me, though.” “Ooooh, baby, that sounds like a threat!” Thibault is laughing. “You opened up a can o’ worms with her, Dev. I think you’d better retreat.” “Retreat isn’t in my vocabulary,” he says, standing to his full, almost seven-foot height. I have to admit, it’s pretty impressive. But I’m not going to let anyone know I’m affected by it. I shrug. “Don’t worry, Thibault. You know what they say about guys like him.” I gesture at Dev with my chin. Thibault’s eyes are practically sparkling with glee. “No, what do they say?” “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” Even Ozzie laughs when Dev replies. “Oh, it’s on, Bo Peep. It is so on right now.”